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As the last black undergarment quietly slipped off, Liu Erlong's smooth skin was fully exposed to the cool air.
The light flickered.
This mature, voluptuous body trembled slightly from both tension and a hint of chill. Dai Chengfeng's eyes were deep and burning with desire.
Leaning down, he was about to claim those lips that had captivated him once again…
However, at this moment, Liu Erlong suddenly raised her hand and pressed it against Dai Chengfeng's chest.
Her fingertips were icy cold, starkly contrasting with Dai Chengfeng's burning skin.
"Wait…"
Her voice carried a barely noticeable quiver, subtle yet like a bucket of cold water abruptly dousing Dai Chengfeng's fiery impulse.
Dai Chengfeng's movements froze instantly. He lifted his head, his eyes filled with astonishment and even a trace of incomprehensible frustration.
With the arrow on the string, the atmosphere already heightened to this point—her clothes all removed—and now she wanted to stop?
He almost gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse as he asked:
"…At this point, what are we waiting for?"
Liu Erlong turned her face away, unable to meet Dai Chengfeng's scorching gaze that seemed to see through all her thoughts.
She curled up slightly, instinctively wrapping her arms around herself, and whispered:
"First… First, take a bath… I'm covered in alcohol, it feels uncomfortable…"
This reason sounded reasonable, but in this situation, it felt particularly abrupt and deliberate.
Liu Erlong herself knew it was just an excuse.
When the moment of complete honesty arrived, the hesitation and panic she had suppressed with alcohol surged back like a tide.
Her feelings for Dai Chengfeng were too complicated.
Did she not like him at all? Not necessarily.
During this time, it was this young man who had silently accompanied and accepted her during her most disheveled and painful moments.
When she cried in his arms, she truly felt an unprecedented sense of security.
That feeling of being respected and accepted was something she had never experienced with Yu Xiaogang.
Perhaps, there was a bit of affection—a liking for this cherished feeling.
But was it love, the kind of irreplaceable, unforgettable passion? Liu Erlong's heart immediately gave a negative answer.
Her feelings for Dai Chengfeng were more like clutching at a floating log while drowning, mixed with a sense of reckless indulgence.
She just wanted to numb and indulge herself completely with the help of alcohol…
Thus, she hadn't refused, half-heartedly letting things progress to this point.
But when the final barrier was removed and the moment of true union approached, the fear stemming from age, identity, and an unprepared heart made her instinctively want to retreat.
She was much older than Dai Chengfeng; by age, he could almost be considered her nephew.
The sense of estrangement brought by this age gap…
Was she really going to have such an intimate relationship with this "junior"? How would they face each other after this indulgence?
All these thoughts entangled together, making her desperately need some time, even if it was just a brief delay.
Dai Chengfeng watched Liu Erlong's evasive eyes, her slightly curled-up body, and her obviously weak "bath" excuse. He immediately understood her current hesitation and struggle.
She wasn't entirely unwilling, just retreating at the last moment, needing some time to adjust…
Or rather, needing a step to cross over the hurdle in her heart.
A faint sense of helplessness swept over Dai Chengfeng's heart, but he deeply understood Liu Erlong's inner turmoil. Forcing her would only push her further away.
Soon, the astonishment and impatience in Dai Chengfeng's eyes gradually faded, replaced by extreme patience and tenderness.
He didn't show any displeasure or coercion due to Liu Erlong's pause. Instead, he gently loosened his hold on her, pulling over a thin blanket and thoughtfully covering her exposed shoulders to shield her from the cool air.
"Alright."
He still replied with just one simple word.
Then, he did something unexpected by Liu Erlong.
He bent down, reaching under her knees and back, and with a slight effort, lifted her horizontally into his arms.
"Ah!"
Liu Erlong let out a startled cry, instinctively hugging Dai Chengfeng's neck. "What… what are you doing?"
"Aren't you going to take a bath?"
Dai Chengfeng looked down at her, a faint, somewhat indulgent smile playing on his lips. "I'll carry you there."
His movements were natural, brooking no refusal, yet without a trace of disrespect.
Liu Erlong stared blankly at his handsome face so close to hers, her flustered heart strangely calming somewhat.
He saw through her delay but didn't expose it, nor did he force her. Instead, with this almost nurturing approach, he accepted her unease and actively provided her with that step.
This time, Liu Erlong didn't refuse again.
She gently rested her flushed cheek against his solid, warm chest, listening to his strong, slightly rapid heartbeat…
Letting him hold her.
In the bathroom.
Dai Chengfeng carefully placed Liu Erlong into the comfortably warm water.
The warm water instantly enveloped her body, dispelling the chill from her skin and seemingly easing some of the tension in her nerves.
Liu Erlong leaned against the edge of the tub, closed her eyes, and felt the comfort brought by the hot water.
The alcohol hadn't completely worn off, and the emotional ups and downs earlier left her feeling dizzy.
She could feel that Dai Chengfeng hadn't left. Instead, he picked up the nearby towel and cleansing beans, gently starting to clean her body.
His movements were careful, carrying an almost reverent meticulousness.
The towel glided over her smooth neck, beautifully curved back, and slender waist…
Every touch seemed electric, causing Liu Erlong's body to involuntarily shiver slightly.
This intimate care was more unsettling than the earlier aggressive kisses and touches, filling her heart with unfamiliar emotions mixed with shyness and hidden anticipation.
She didn't dare open her eyes, only passively feeling everything.
Dai Chengfeng's fingers occasionally brushed against her sensitive skin inadvertently, causing tiny ripples.
His breath wafted onto her neck behind her ear, warm and moist.
The atmosphere didn't cool down because of this bathing interlude. Instead, it became ambiguously heated again under this silent, slow intimacy, even more lingering than before.
Dai Chengfeng was extremely patient. He treated the act of bathing with utmost seriousness, as if it weren't a delaying excuse but something that required earnest attention.
He helped her wash her long hair, gently massaging her scalp with his fingertips, soothing her tension.
Liu Erlong's tense body gradually relaxed completely under his gentle assault, even unconsciously letting out a very soft, contented sigh.
This process was long and tormenting.
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